GMULTI

Multiplex detection of (un)authorized GMOs in food and feed

 Partecipanti

Mappa

 Word cloud

Esplora la "nuvola delle parole (Word Cloud) per avere un'idea di massima del progetto.

 Obiettivo del progetto (Objective)

'The main objective of the project is to apply and further develop a multiplex DNA detection system for identification of unauthorized genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in European food and feed chains. The relevance of this is underscored by recent incidents with unapproved Bt10 maize, Bt73 rice and LL62 rice, which showed that lab-testing is unavoidable for maintenance of national and EU laws. This requires a reliable, cost-effective detection method. Real time PCR meets sensitivity demands up to a 0.1% level. However, detection and identification of GMOs in food is a time-consuming and expensive puzzle in many cases, when many subsequent real time PCR reactions have to be performed for identification. Padlockprobe, ligation-based multiplex detection does provide a method that can potentially meet all the demands of unauthorized GM detection. It is a three step reaction sequence starting with the detection of all possible targets in a single ligation reaction. Subsequent steps involve amplification by PCR and identification by microarray hybridization. The project has four distinct phases: 1) Identification of the DNA target sequences for padlock probe design. The combination of all available sequence information will be used for the building of a model for unauthorized GMO detection. This model will identify the most informative elements as well as any hiatus in sequence information; 2) Design of padlock probes for the DNA targets. This requires examination of secondary structures compromising the efficiency of the probes, and similarity to known DNA sequences resulting in non-specific reactions. 3) Testing of the padlockprobes in the lab. The most important parameters will be sensitivity, the relation between the sensitivity and the number of targets, and the specificity; 4) Validation of the developed method. Dissemination will occur throughout the project through presentations at (inter)national symposia and papers in peer-reviewed scientific journals.'

Introduzione (Teaser)

While genetically modified food has its proper place in the food chain, many look at unauthorised varieties as 'monster' food. The EU is taking steps to inform the public and remedy the situation.

Descrizione progetto (Article)

Fruits and vegetables containing genetically modified organisms (GMOs) are becoming a reality in the European food chain. With evidence of non-authorised GMOs in food products, the EU wants to tighten control of genetically modified products.

The GMULTI project, fully funded and supported by the EU, has developed more efficient detection systems for both authorised and unauthorised GMOs. It has come up with a method called padlock-probe (PLP) which can efficiently detect GMOs. Research laboratories in the Netherlands have tested the novel method on suspect DNA within certain foods to validate its efficacy.

The approach is based on designing PLPs for several DNA targets. These are then mixed together for more blanket testing (i.e. for many types of DNA in many foods). The PLPs react with their targets and alert researchers on any genetic modifications. The results are then compared with various other dependable yet lengthier methods and in different laboratories to double- and triple-check the efficacy of the new approach.

The implications for European consumers are profound. To begin with, the new method provides an alternative tool for maintaining freedom of choice between GM-free and GM-containing foods. It also supports better labelling of products.

Although, further improvements are necessary for highly specific detection of GMOs and for validation of the method before implementation, the project results are highly promising. They have already been presented at the Fourth international conference on coexistence between genetically modified (GM) and non-GM based agricultural supply. The results are being published in scientific literature to help reinforce collaboration among EU states regarding GMO detection. In addition, the project will help maintain and increase the competitive scientific level in the EU regarding GMOs, making it more attractive for researchers worldwide.

If all goes as planned, European supermarkets will stop carrying outlawed GMO products and consumers will know exactly what they're buying.